James City Cty vs. York Cty (Norfolk, Richmond: real estate, renting, insurance)

[Desdemona25]

So, which one is better? I'm seeing a few houses that I like that are apparently in York County. Haven't done much research there.

Also, how would someone find out how much property tax was paid on a piece of property? I know that JCC is $.77 per $100 assessed, but haven't seen anything on York County's site.

After my guy was laid off (again) for the 3rd time in his 9 months of living here in the Sunshine State, I said we were done here and want to move to VA for sure. I even applied for 6 internal jobs with my company. Within an hour of finishing my applications, I already had a call about one of them. I have a phone interview on that one this coming Wednesday. And I had a call on a second one as well.

So, this may happen faster than I thought it would. Ay yi yi!!!

[williamsburgfan]

they are both nice - it depends on where in each county. You really need to visit. Where is the job located, how much of a commute do you want? Do you need schools? If the job is in YC you can also consider going over the Coleman Bridge to the Gloucester area. What price range, buy or rent? If you are new to an area renting for a while makes sense. In general, YC, JCC and the surrounding areas are all nice. On the YC website the RE tax info is on the "real estate assesment" link

[Desdemona25]

Originally Posted by williamsburgfan

they are both nice - it depends on where in each county. You really need to visit. Where is the job located, how much of a commute do you want? Do you need schools? If the job is in YC you can also consider going over the Coleman Bridge to the Gloucester area. What price range, buy or rent? If you are new to an area renting for a while makes sense. In general, YC, JCC and the surrounding areas are all nice. On the YC website the RE tax info is on the "real estate assesment" link

Hopefully I'll be back up there soon. Don't know exactly when though. My job will either be in the financial district in Richmond or in Glen Allen. I've applied for positions in both locations. The phone interview I have coming up is for one of the ones in Richmond; the other one that called me is in Glen Allen.

I definitely wish to buy. I don't want to waste my money on renting. I'd rather not spend over $250K on a house. But the amount that is spent will depend on what the tax rate is. I've seen several nice properties priced under that, so I know it can be done. I would be the new person to the area--my boyfriend is not. He grew up in Newport News and moved down here last July to be with me. His parents and friends are still in the NN area.

From what I've read/heard, I don't want to be much closer to Richmond. If I can make that 40-45 mile drive in around 45-50 minutes, it's not that bad. My boyfriend used to commute to Richmond from NN and said the 62 mile trip would take him right about an hour. Down here, you couldn't make a trip like that in under 90 minutes, 2 hours in some places (Miami).

And yes, schools are definitely needed. I have a 6 year old daughter. She'll be in 2nd grade this coming fall. She also tested at a gifted level, so I need to make sure that the school I find will be able to keep her challenged.

Hopefully that link will work for YC. I know that I was able to see how much a property was assessed for, but I need to know either the amount paid or the actual assessment rate. The property tax issue here is huge--I'm currently at $2400/year for my not quite 1300 Sq. Ft. villa. It's disgusting. And don't get me started on insurance either.

So, we shall see what happens in the next few weeks.

[williamsburgfan]

since your BF is a local and his family is still in the area it seems they would be best suited to guide you. He knows you, your likes/dislikes and the area. In general - YC will have more house for the $, JCC will have better schools. In your price range and communte I would lookl at the "upper end" of JCC such as Toano, Lightfoot, Croaker and the center of JCC. YC near the westrnmost 199 interchange.

[VaVet96]

Be sure to do some research on traffic projections for the Peninsula to Richmond corridor for the future. I can't provide a reference, but I've seen projection studies written up in the local paper that say the traffic will likely double in the next 10 years. I just drove up most of Rt 60 (parallels I-64) from Williamsburg to Richmond last weekend, and the number of new developments going in is just astounding! Much of that traffic will be hopping on I-64 and heading to Richmond or Norfolk to work. The VA General Assembly finally approved a highway bill last month (after many years of abject failure to accomplish anything). The result is an I-64 that is notably more congested than even 5 years ago, with the prospect for many new delays as they finally try to widen the interstate.
The area you're looking at living in is indeed a wonderful area. I live on the Peninsula, but I drive all of 4 miles to work. Just come drive the route during your normal commuting times to get a real feeling for what you're getting into.

[kcrossley]

Originally Posted by VaVet96

The VA General Assembly finally approved a highway bill last month (after many years of abject failure to accomplish anything). The result is an I-64 that is notably more congested than even 5 years ago, with the prospect for many new delays as they finally try to widen the interstate.

I hadn't heard this. Is widening I-64 part of the bill? When will construction start? Do you have any links you can share with us?

[Stonecoldharbours]

If it were me, I live in Willamsburg now, I would def pick Yorktown, I lived in three different areas of Williamsburg, I rather not go into detail but I think unless you spend 230 or so on a home, you might not be very "happy."

[kcrossley]

Originally Posted by PghPaNative

If it were me, I live in Willamsburg now, I would def pick Yorktown, I lived in three different areas of Williamsburg, I rather not go into detail but I think unless you spend 230 or so on a home, you might not be very "happy."

PghPaNative, I'm sorry things aren't working out for you in Williamsburg. I know you don't want to go into detail, but could you elaborate a little?

[Stonecoldharbours]

There are nice areas but you have to spend enough money to live in them, since we have to save for retirement, college and emergenices we can only spend 200 or so on a home, and that is a stretch and would leave us with nothing left over...if you can afford 230 or more, then as I said here, you might get into a nice safer less crime area...oh and thanks for your kind concerns thoughts, they are so much appreciated. We have found a few nice places away from Hampton roads, where the homes are more affordable, no hurricanes, no tornados and etc...this place is not just for us, it might be for others, but it certainly isn't for us...we lived all over the states here, and never had to move as often as we did here, in Williamsburg...It really is an individual thingie...I am glad you love this area, the more to you, hope you stay and enjoy it here, but for us, we absoltutely hate it here. My best to all.

[Stonecoldharbours]

I just got finished watching a news video on Hampton roads bout how a developer wants to build cheap homes, that they say are 200 grand and up in a an area just north of Williamburg...people are outraged that such cheap homes would be built near to their mini mansions of 500 grand, and they say that there is no where else to build a cheap 200 grand home in the county! What should be people do? What do you all think they should do? I be curious as what you all think bout this, since there seems to be hardly any reasonable home prices in James City County! Seems to be that JCC has the best schools, the lowest crimes but only some can live here! If you have less than 100 grand to buy a home.you can forget this area of beauty, low crime and desirable JCC schools!